The Lord reminds us today, “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). We are His sheep, and Jesus will watch over and protect us from our addictions, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments if we allow Him all the days of our life. We just need to trust and obey Him through all the thickets, hills, and valleys of our lives. But God the Father gave us free will, allowing us the possibility to stray from the herd and lead ourselves. This leaves us vulnerable and defenseless against the many temptations of the world, driving us into a state of desperation and fear from which we can see no way out.

Relying only on our own wills, we would turn to our unhealthy attachments, compulsions, and addictions in order to cope with and function in our daily lives. Yet, Jesus loves us so much that He died for our sins so that we could obtain eternal life with Him in heaven. Therefore, let us always remain within the herd, shepherded by the love of the Good Shepherd.

Reflection Questions

• Where in your life can you allow the Good Shepherd to lead you toward healing and freedom?
• What does it mean to stay within the herd? Why is this so necessary for recovery?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Acts 11:1-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3, 4
Gospel: John 10:11-18

Reflection by Loretta L.